The company was just awarded a patent for technology that allows for reading fingerprints on a display panel.

This iPhone 8 concept shows how Touch ID could be integrated into the screen. Credit: Handy Abovergleich

The new panel would use "interactive pixel" formations for a number of functions, including scanning fingerprints using infrared (IR) emitting and sensing LED sensors. This is according to Apple U.S. Patent No. 9,570,002, which U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted and published today (Feb. 14), which is titled "Interactive display panel with IR diodes."

This is just the latest sign pointing to an all-screen Touch ID sensor, lining up with other iPhone 8 rumors. The patent notes that each "display element" could "include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), semiconductor-based LEDs, or other light-emissive devices," so it would work with the expected curved-OLED iPhone 8 panel.

Apple iPhone 8 Rumor Roundup

While the patent could allow for the whole screen to be a fingerprint scanning sensor, it also allows for a virtual home button. One diagram shows that this technology could be implemented with a denser grouping of interactive pixels on the bottom section of the panel, creating a larger space that's still close to where the current home button is.

Image: US Patent Office

It must be noted that a patent isn't proof that the iPhone 8 will go all screen up front. Companies often apply for patents for reasons other than pursuing the final product. But given the numerous other reports and rumors on this subject, a Touch ID screen on the iPhone 8 looks very close to a lock.